As you prepare to put your home on the market, there are improvements you can make – some small, some big – that will help you appeal to homebuyers and maximize the price you get for your home. And some existing home features can be a major selling point. According to the National Association of REALTORS® latest profile of homebuyers and sellers, buyers plan to occupy their homes for the next 15 years. They want homes that offer the room, flexibility and comfort they anticipate they will need in the upcoming years. Energy efficient appliances, windows, and systems in the home are important; to ..read more

When you hire a listing agent, you’ll be presented a listing agreement that outlines the duties and responsibilities your real estate broker will have in selling your property for you. The purpose of the listing agreement is to authorize the broker to find a buyer for your property, including paying a competing broker to bring a buyer. Real estate brokers hire “agents” to increase their footprint in the marketplace. It may be an agent who presents the listing agreement to you, but your agreement is with the broker, typically the agent’s office manager or the brokerage’s owner. Exclusive The m ..read more

Just like the features that can increase the value of your home, there’s a laundry list of factors that can decrease the value as well. It’s equally important to think about what can negatively impact your home’s value as those that can increase it. Here’s are a few often overlooked features that may negatively impact the value of your home: Smoking Indoors Certainly everyone is entitled to utilize their home according to their lifestyle, however, if there’s a lingering smell of smoke, that could negatively affect the value. Smoke seeps into furniture, carpet, and draperies and often is extr ..read more

When you interview more than one agent to sell your home you’ll likely get more than one suggested list price. While it’s tempting to choose the agent who suggests the highest price it’s not always your best option. Here’s why: Most agents don’t do a lot of business Some agents will flat out tell you what you want to hear just to get the listing even if what they’re suggesting isn’t in your best interest. Want to list at an unreasonably high price? No problem! This type of agent is playing the “hope” and numbers game. They’re taking on a new listing even if the price doesn’t make any sense an ..read more

Most states have laws that require home sellers to disclose what they know about the operating and environmental condition of their homes as well as any situation or encumbrance that may affect the home’s value. Disclosure Statement If a shower pan leaked on the floors, and was repaired, that must be disclosed to the buyer, even if there are no outward signs that there was ever a problem. A disclosure form is called a Real Estate Disclosure Statement, Property Condition Disclosure, or Condition Report. They are required by the federal government to disclose the presence of lead paint, and man ..read more

Since no two houses are exactly the same there are bound to be unique features of your home that affect it’s value in a positive way. It’s a good idea to take some time to consider these before deciding on a list price. The obvious ones are remodels and upgrades, but what about the less common features that increase value? If your home has any of the following, it could increase the value: Nearby state, county, or city parks If your home is in close proximity to any parks, this could positively affect it’s value. Studies have shown that homes within 1500 feet of public parks can increase the ..read more

Choosing a listing price or an offer price on a home can be challenging since no two homes are identical. Sellers traditionally use a comparable market analysis, or CMA, as a useful tool for determining their listing price. The CMA compares the seller’s home to those that have already sold nearby or are currently on the market. But, CMAs are equally useful to buyers. When you select a home you’re interested in buying, ask your agent to run a CMA for you, as if you were the seller. Every CMA Is Unique To make a CMA, your agent inputs search parameters from their multiple listing service databa ..read more

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful journey. By finding the right movers and having a good, though flexible, moving plan, most of the common moving headaches can be easily avoided. Start planning Finding the best mover for you at the right price involves a simple evaluation of your needs. Moving companies provide a wide range of services, from planning your move, storing your things, packing and unpacking, to decorating and organizing your belongings in your new home. You can choose which services you want and have them tailored to suit your budget. Compare movers When you c ..read more